It’s no secret my career is stressful, but some weeks it’s more stressful than others, and this is one of those weeks.
Stressed Out
If you were my husband you’d remind me that just last week I was fretting about not having enough work to do after wrapping up a big project. After 30 years I should have known my clients would come through with new issues they need help addressing.
Ironically, one reason this week is extra stressful is because we have a “partner retreat” at a Marriott resort in Arizona Thursday-Sunday. With only three days to do the work of five (or six …), I’m burning the midnight oil so I can enjoy some spa time on Saturday.
On Tuesday I had my hematologist appointment for my recently diagnosed DVTs. The appointment was not stressful, but my blood pressure was alarming with the top number > 160. It was that high in the ER a few weeks ago, so I asked if it could be related to the DVTs. She said no, and asked about my stress levels ….
For comparison, my blood pressure reading in September was 116/68, so high readings are not my normal!
My doctor wants me to monitor my blood pressure at home—hopefully taking it in a relaxed setting will help bring those numbers down.
My stress levels are having me reassess my participation in NaBLoPoMo. As much as I am enjoying it, it is one more thing on my to do list. I might just dial back my perfectionism and aim for blogging a few days a week.
So far I’m still participating in National Blog Poasting Month. Learn more and see the list of participating bloggers here.
Do you monitor your blood pressure?
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Measuring your blood pressure at home in a calm environment is a good idea. I’m sure it will be quite a bit lower.
You’ve been doing well with the blogging challenge – but it’s also absolutely fine to give yourself a breather when it’s all getting too much. Enjoy the spa time, Coco!!
Yes, stress is something we tend to underestimate. I completely understand about the “one more thing on the list” and blogging a few days a week is fine! Spa time sounds like it will benefit you too.
Sounds like a good doctor if he/she recommends monitoring at home. Some healthcare people just don’t understand that blood pressure is ALWAYS higher in the clinic. I’m considering changing GP only because the nurse stresses me out. When I’m there taking blood samples, my heart rate always goes up and she stresses so much about it and treats me like I’m sick and dying (while I’m probably one of the fittest people coming there), and then when I come home my heart rate is down and everything is fine, but I still stress over my health because of that nurse. Sure at this age you need to consider heart health but she’s only making it worse.
Hope you got some good news from the hematologist.
Good luck Coco! I really feel for you.
When something has to give, obviously blogging is going to be at the top of the list. As everyone says, there are no NaBloPoMo police and probably no one even keeping score if you miss a day. But on the other side of the coin, you’re allowed to do “phone it in” posts with just a picture and a few sentences. Your NaBloPoMO, your rules!